Managing our emotional state—by finding calm and focus—is essential before we can effectively plan or take action. If we're emotionally overwhelmed, our minds "swirl" and we lose clarity. Eric here. I welcome back Jim and Lynette Vaive for an insightful discussion about how SEQ can help us navigate uncertainty, disruption, and the complexities of m…

We often think of caregiving as helping those with physical or medical issues. But there's another form – providing care to those facing emotional challenges. We explore the nuanced role of emotional caregiving in our personal and professional lives. We discuss the concept of an "EQ caregiver," focusing on the importance of providing emotional supp…

Understanding PTSD Diagnosis: "The psychiatrist was just like, well, I really don't know for sure if you have ADHD, but you definitely have PTSD. And when she said that, she said it in a way that was it made it more serious to me, like the gravity of it because she had so much compassion in her face that I wasn't expecting." - Hattie Hawks I'm join…

Have you ever wondered why certain thoughts or beliefs are so hard to shake? It’s all about neural pathways—connections in our brain that are formed by repeating patterns of thought and behavior. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Understanding Core Beliefs: Discover how core beliefs, often formed early in life, can influence our neural pathways. A…

When you hear "cultivate," you might think of plants or farming. But it's more than that! Merriam-Webster defines it as improving through labor, care, or study. Imagine applying this to yourself—endless potential for self-improvement! Jeff and Eric discuss the idea of self-cultivation. They start by examining the term "cultivate," which is usually …

Does your workplace prioritize humanity? My guest, Moe Carrick, highlights the need for empathy and genuine human connection in leadership. Do leaders truly see and hear their employees? The core message in this episode revolves around transforming workplaces to be fit for human life, focusing on emotional intelligence and empathy in leadership. Mo…

Wisdom Through Failure: "A lot of my wisdom that I have is not from succeeding. It's from when I fail, you know." Old vs. Getting Older Jeff poses an important question: Is there a difference between being old and getting older? Eric agrees, noting that while getting older is an inevitable part of life, being old is more about one's mindset. The di…

The Hidden Power of Jazz: "Jazz music, I think it's important to say, (Jazz) has a significant number of benefits, neurologically, physiologically, even passive listening." A Tribe For Jazz is a nonprofit organization founded with a mission to preserve and advance jazz through visual storytelling, performances, education, and community engagement. …

What interests or passions would you pursue if you incorporated frequent sabbaticals into your lifestyle? We talk about the transformative power of sabbaticals and self-discovery with our special guest, Lyndall Farley, a sabbatical coach who has taken an impressive 11 sabbaticals herself. This episode explores strategic approaches to taking time of…

How can individuals cultivate a sense of contentment and focus on personal financial goals without falling into the trap of comparing themselves to others? Eric Pennington talks with financial planning expert Mike Perez, CFP, CKA, CAP, to discuss the critical connection between our emotions and money decisions. Throughout the conversation, they tac…

Eric Pennington tackles one of the most pressing issues of our time: loneliness. Despite being seemingly connected through technology and social media, many of us still grapple with feelings of isolation. Eric explores the underlying causes of loneliness, delving into core beliefs and the stories we tell ourselves, some of which may stem from our p…

Today’s episode is intriguingly titled "Learning from Pears," and trust us, there's a powerful message behind it. Jeff recently stumbled upon a fascinating book that inspired today's discussion. Written by Jeanne Gaffigan, wife of comedian Jim Gaffigan, "When Life Gives You Pears" chronicles her journey through a life-threatening health challenge, …

Hello everyone, and welcome back to the Spirit of EQ podcast! I'm your host, Eric Pennington, and in today's episode, we're diving into a personal and transformative experience I recently had hiking near Mount Rainier in Washington State. Despite my fear of heights, I pushed through a challenging 6-mile trek, rising from 7,000 to 8,000 feet in elev…

How does embracing discomfort and resilience play a role in effective leadership, especially in creative environments? We have an amazing conversation with the incredibly talented Stacie Boord from Shadowbox Live. Stacie Boord is the CEO and creative powerhouse behind Shadowbox Live, the nation’s largest resident theater ensemble. Stacie brings her…

What are some strategies you use to stay present when you’re feeling overwhelmed or distracted? In a world that constantly bombards us with information and stress, learning how to navigate uncertainty and stay grounded is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. We expand on their conversation, offering practical strategies to help you focus on…

Eric Pennington and Jeff East get into the journey of personal growth and the challenges we all face along the way. They explore the importance of self-reflection, community support, and the persistence needed to overcome struggles. Eric shares his personal experiences, touching on societal pressures and the balance between striving for more and fi…

How do you think the fast pace and constant connectivity of modern life affect one's ability to live authentically? What strategies could help maintain authenticity in a fast-paced society? We're back with another soul-stirring episode that's all about finding your true self amidst the chaos of modern life. We sit down with our beloved and frequent…

The hidden costs of our emotional expenditures. Jeff and Eric navigate the taxing effects of emotions in our everyday lives. We often think of taxes solely in monetary terms, but how burdensome charges can also apply to our emotional well-being. They explore how concerns like worry, envy, workplace unease, and relationship strains can deplete our e…

We get into the topic of spirituality and its various interpretations, featuring esteemed guests Dr. Veronica Tracy-Smith, Lynette Vaive, and Jim Vaive, alongside Eric Pennington. In this episode, we'll explore how spirituality connects us to something larger than ourselves and the transformative impact it can have on our lives. Whether you're seek…

Our latest episode of the *Spirit of EQ* is an invigorating conversation with the insightful Quincy Williams, from Quality Wellness Performance and Coaching. We catch up with Quincy and discuss the nuanced relationship between fitness decisions today and their long-term implications. Quincy's previous guest appearances on Spirit of EQ are episodes …

The journey toward achieving personal and professional excellence. Jeff kicks things off by sharing personal anecdotes from his bowling league experiences, emphasizing the relentless practice and focus required to master those elusive spare shots and ultimately score that perfect game. These lessons from the lanes set the stage for a broader conver…

In today's world, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the complex interplay of emotions and daily distractions. Eric and Jeff go into the vital topic of simplifying our emotional landscape to enhance our emotional intelligence. They explore techniques like the 6-Second Rule to manage reactions, the importance of being intentional with our emotional foc…

Do you ever catch yourself believing those lingering negative comments from the past? Eric addresses how these can form neural pathways, influencing our reality and emotional responses, and both he and Jeff explore how you can rewrite this narrative. They also touch on the bigger EQ picture—from the simplicity yet profoundness of a noble goal, the …

We explore this unique aspect of our culture, and we discover some powerful lessons that still hold today. Here are 3 key takeaways: 1️⃣ Choose your praise wisely: Praise should be genuine and deserved, not just empty words. Let's be mindful of what we praise and ensure we're nurturing a culture of true accomplishment and encouragement. 2️⃣ Foster …

In this episode of the "Spirit of EQ" podcast, Eric Pennington welcomes co-founders of Feelalytics, Michelle Stinson Ross and Tina Schweiger, as they provide invaluable insights into leveraging technology to elevate emotional intelligence (EQ) in organizations. The highlight of the episode is the unveiling of a groundbreaking tool designed by Feela…

Embarking on a sales career or starting a business venture is much like committing to a long-term relationship. It presents a myriad of challenges, from the emotional toll of rejection to the discipline required to manage time. J.A. Dava of Latreia Coaching and Consulting unwraps the layers of wisdom of how to sustain the passion for sales and thri…

In this episode of the "Spirit of EQ" podcast, hosts Eric Pennington and Jeff East engage in a deep conversation with guest Jeremy Jensen, the chief of police for the Dubuque Police Department. Jensen's focus on emotional intelligence (EQ) and its impact on law enforcement makes for a compelling discussion about recognizing and managing emotions in…

In this episode, Eric Pennington hosts Rachel Scott, a senior UX designer at Buckeye Innovation. Rachel is also a passionate world traveler who aims to visit every country on the planet. Both Eric and Rachel discuss the importance of embracing adventure, challenging perspectives, and living intentionally in both personal and professional aspects of…

Welcome to the Spirit of EQ podcast! In this episode, host Eric Pennington is joined by special guest Ellen Isaacs, a licensed orthopedic physical therapist and nutrition coach. Ellen shares her inspiring journey from struggling with her own nutrition and eating disorders to becoming a passionate advocate for holistic health. After years of struggl…

Cat Perlson, Leadership Development Corporate Trainer We have an engaging conversation with Cat Perlson. We talk about the profound impact of trauma on mental health, advocating for the validation of emotions and resilience after traumatic experiences. Here are the key takeaways from our discussion: 1. Embracing Vulnerability and Seeking Support: C…

In this episode of the Spirit of EQ podcast, host Luke Cavanagh welcomes Giovanni Leoni as they discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on human experience and organizations. Giovanni, the head of business strategy and development at Credo AI, highlights the importance of aligning AI with human values, while Luke emphasizes the need to a…

In this episode of the Spirit of EQ podcast, hosts Eric Pennington and Jeff East explore the intricacies of navigating change. Key Takeaways 1️⃣ Embracing Change: Change can be unsettling, but having a noble goal and evaluating if we're still following our true north helps us navigate through doubts. Recognizing patterns, reflecting on past experie…

We had the pleasure of hosting Professor Art Markman on the Spirit of EQ podcast. We had an insightful conversation on psychology, decision-making, and the importance of mental wellness. Here are three key takeaways from our episode: 1️⃣ "It depends" is the answer to many complex questions in psychology. Our decision-making process is heavily influ…

As we wrap up 2023, we find ourselves reflecting on a year filled with insightful conversations, personal revelations, and meaningful growth. In our latest podcast episode, Eric Pennington and Jeff East delve into topics covering emotional intelligence, personal health, and the impact of technology on the human experience. Eric and Jeff emphasize t…

Luke Cavanaugh is our guest host for this episode! His guest is Zara Shirazi, a native of Tehran, Iran who now runs a boutique branding agency based in Vaxjo. Zara is a really strong example of an optimist, a trait she learned from her highly entrepreneurial father, and she reflects on the upsides and downsides of growing up in the shadow of such a…

In this episode, we have a special guest joining us, Luke Cavanagh. In this episode, we dive into the world of emotional intelligence (EQ) and explore its impact on our personal and professional lives. We discuss the concept of navigating emotions and how it can be challenging for many individuals. Luke shares his own experiences with EQ and how it…

We explore the critical role of emotional intelligence (EQ) in healthcare and discuss the challenges faced by both physicians and patients in today's complex healthcare landscape. Here are 3 key takeaways from our engaging conversation: 1️⃣ Emotional intelligence (EQ) is vital for effective healthcare: Understanding and managing emotions play a sig…

We tackle the important topic of owning our history and embracing the valuable lessons it teaches us. We delve into how our past experiences shape our perspectives, our emotional intelligence (EQ), and our future. Here's a brief overview of what you can expect: 🔎 Looking Back for Growth: The episode highlights the power of examining our mistakes an…

If you've been following our podcast, you might recall that we've had some fascinating conversations with Jim in the past about spiritual emotional intelligence. But today, we dive even deeper into his journey of transformation and self-discovery. Here are 3 key takeaways from our captivating conversation: 1️⃣ The Power of Self-Reflection: Througho…

Robert Brezosky is a highly experienced Global Human Resources Executive with a successful record of transformational leadership across multiple areas of HR - including HR Operations, Talent Mobility, Early Career Development Programs, Recruiting, and HR Teams, in large multinational organizations, including PwC, The Walt Disney Company, and most r…

As the Executive Director at Leadership Columbus, Shannon Lee is committed to developing, connecting, and inspiring diverse leaders who serve as catalysts in building a healthy and vibrant community. She is most passionate about helping individuals change the way they experience leadership so that as leaders, they can create healing in the workplac…

On this episode of Spirit of EQ, our guest Toya Spencer dives into the current state of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Toya starts off by discussing the power of core beliefs and how they shape individuals' lives. She emphasizes the importance of examining and questioning these beliefs, even if they served as survival tools in the past. To…

Here's what we cover in this episode... We cover a range of topics including social media impact, effective communication, empathy, EQ, personal growth, mental health support, personal responsibility, and setting boundaries in the workplace. In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, …

Entrepreneur and artist Heather Hanson shares her inspiring journey to finding her true self and pursuing her passion as an artist. She discusses her wake-up call after being diagnosed with breast cancer and how it led her to prioritize self-care and explore her natural expression as an artist. Heather emphasizes the importance of being in choice w…

We welcome Josh Freedman, CEO of Six Seconds. As you listen to the podcast, you will gain valuable insights into emotional intelligence and its role in creating engaged workplaces and communities. With new research, frameworks, methods, and programs on employee well-being, we provide practical advice for individuals to strengthen their emotional in…

This is our 100th episode of Spirit of EQ! We reflect on our personal growth journey over the past few years and how creating this podcast has helped us spread that growth to others. We discuss the practical tools inside emotional intelligence that can improve decision-making and help all of us navigate life's challenges and opportunities. We talk …

It's not about giving a pass to those who do wrong, but rather allowing different perspectives and understanding. We all face ethical dilemmas and it's important to create space to think through the best way to proceed. This episode is a thought-provoking discussion on how to make a positive impact on oneself and society. Top Takeaways Provoking so…

Creating meaningful moments in life can lead to a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Find out how you can use preparation to create powerful and meaningful moments in your life. Watch or listen to Rush's Limelight soundcheck mentioned in the episode. In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your em…

Licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist Anita Ritchey from Directions Counseling examines the impact of core beliefs on mental health and well-being. By exploring how our deeply held assumptions shape our reality and behaviors, Rowe provides practical advice on identifying negative core beliefs and challenging them. Hear how trauma can …

Jim and Lynette Vaive delve deep into the world of Spiritual Emotional Intelligence (SEQ) and offer invaluable insights into the integration of emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives. From understanding the importance of self-awareness to living from the inside out, this podcast provides valuable tools for personal growth and transformation. …